Imps boss Danny Cowley says there isn't a better central midfielder outside the Sky Bet Championship following Alex Woodyard's decision to sign a new deal at Sincil Bank.
Woodyard, 24, signed an extension to his current contract yesterday to keep him with the club until the summer of 2019.
The reigning National League Manager of the Year hailed Lincoln's Player of the Year's committment to the club.
"He's had many offers from League One and Championship clubs and some of them were significant financial offers for him." Cowley said.
"From our point of view it's nice when players choose their loyalties over finances, and for what's best for their career development. It's nice for Alex to realise that too."
The midfielder left Braintree in the summer of 2016 to follow the Cowley brothers to Sincil Bank, having also had a spell with the duo at Concord Rangers.
"There's not a better centre midfielder in League One or Two. We're absolutely delighted that he signed the extended deal."
Woodyard had signed a new contract earlier this year until the summer of 2018, but opted to extend that by a further year.
The Imps boss said: "Sometimes you have to go where you're loved. He's loved everywhere here, whether it be in the dressing room by the players or in the terraces by the fans.
"He's a real popular one with the fans and I know that means a lot to him. The supporters played a pivotal part in him signing the deal."
